Devil’s Head Trail in Colorado is diabolically steep
Devil’s Head Trail ends way up high with beautiful 360° views of the Colorado Rockies.
Views like that can mean a couple of things: 1) You’ve finished a long slow climb with many switchbacks, or 2) The trail was short but super steep.
In the case of Devil’s Head, the second one fits to a T. It’s relentlessly steep with no breaks — even before you get to the staircase with 143 steps.
The elevation gain is 950 feet in only 1.4 miles one way.
It takes a lot of energy to reach the top, especially if you’re dealing with a disease like Parkinson’s. But don’t dismiss this trail yet.
Parkinson’s Hiking Tip
Plan ahead to take frequent sit-down rests, starting early in the hike. Find a rock or big log. It’s pacing yourself that counts on this one.
Devil’s Head Trail goes up to one of the last fire lookout towers still fully operating in Colorado. The current structure was built 75 years ago, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The trail is just over an hour’s drive from the Denver area. Roads are mostly dirt, but cars and SUVs can make it there.
Our group of four (+ pup) parked along the road leading into the campground because the lot was full.
The walk to the trailhead took 5 to 10 minutes.
The trail started with a few stairs. That was just the warmup.
Almost immediately it got steep.
I slowed down and took it a step at a time.
This trail’s scenery is lovely and is a big draw. It was late summer and a nice day for a hike — and lots of other people thought so too!
Resting spots were easy to find, mostly on “sitting rocks” next to the trail. The red bench was a bonus.
Parkinson’s Hiking Tip
Acclimatization is key. Since Devil’s Head Trail starts at 9,700 feet, you’ll need to give your body, especially your lungs, a chance to be ready. If you’re a visitor to the state, make sure you take a couple days to adapt before hiking. Breathing hard at that elevation is normal, and on the plus side, aerobic exercise over time has been shown to slow progression of PD.
After about 30 minutes and with burning thigh and calf muscles, we arrived at the metal staircase. Its bright red paint really stood out as it weaved in and around the massive boulders.
Onward and upward we went. Then, triumphant over that final stretch, we reached our hard-earned views.
At the top, we could see the front range for 100 miles or more in every direction.
The “Devil’s Head” for which the tower is named is a rock formation that juts up nearby,
Our group hung out at the top for a bit, then prepared for the trip down.
Parkinson’s Hiking Tip
I’m grateful for stairs with railings on each side. Be sure to use them both on your way down.
The walk back to the trailhead went much faster, and my breathing was back to normal.
The trail is open mid-May through October, depending on the weather. If you plan to do this unique hike, check ahead by calling (303) 275-5610.
Hike info
PD difficulty level (see chart): Difficult
Distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 950 feet
Trailhead location: The Devil’s Head Trailhead can be reached by traveling approximately 10 miles west of Sedalia on Highway 67 to Rampart Range Road. Turn left (south) and drive 8.5 miles to the trailhead.
Cell phone service: none
Bathrooms: Yes, near the parking lot
Costs: Day use access when you enter the park
Insider tip: Go early in the day. Devil’s Head is one of the most popular hikes on the front range. If you are hiking on a weekend, try to get to the trailhead by 8 a.m. for a less-crowded experience. You’ll get better photos, too.
Colorado has so many amazing hikes. Which one is your favorite? Answer in the comments.
I love this trail. The views from the lookout are incredible. The parking lot fills up and you can plan on walking a bit to reach the trail. It was fun to hike it with Colleen and Jon with Harper by our side.
Friends/family help friends/family get to the top. Thanks for being with us!
What a beautiful and interesting hike. Something for everyone!
Definitely. Worth the trip!